PlayStation will begin rolling out age verification measures sometime later this year to comply with global regulations, according to a message from Sony Interactive Entertainment to PlayStation users worldwide. Users who fail or refuse to verify their age will be unable to access voice chat or messages from their PlayStation console.
Sony’s age verification measure is the latest in a line of similar changes that have been undertaken by gaming companies and regulators alike. In late 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043) into state law, which would require all devices that have an operating system to implement an age check upon creating an account. Given the broad scope of AB 1043 within California, this would likely force Sony to add an age check to each PlayStation console that can access the Internet. AB 1043 goes into effect January 1, 2027.
Former PlayStation Exec Reveals He Was Fired After Three Decades at the Company
Industry veteran Shuhei Yoshida claims that he was forced out as President of Sony because he butted heads with then-CEO Jim Ryan.
PlayStation to Implement Age Verification Later This Year
Following news that platforms like Steam have implemented age verification measures in countries like the UK to comply with local laws, Sony stated that it would implement its own measures across the globe. Sony Interactive Entertainment stated via an email to some PlayStation users that it would implement age verification sometime later in 2026. However, Sony stopped short of offering a precise date for its age verification enactment. Users who fail or refuse to comply with the age verification requirement will be unable to use voice chat or messages on a PlayStation console until they verify their information. Sony stated that it is a one-time check that would take just a few minutes to complete, and that doing so in advance would allow them to continue accessing voice and text features.
However, the age verification measure from Sony stops short of a complete lockout of system features. Sony added that access to other PlayStation services, including the PlayStation Store, trophies, and playing games, will not be impacted by any age verification measures. According to a ResetEra forum thread, Sony’s email has been received predominantly by users in the UK and Ireland, with some users comparing it to the age verification measures Xbox implemented within those nations in late 2025. It is unclear how many other countries or territories will be impacted by the rollout. Sony’s age verification email notice reads as follows:
At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we are committed to creating safe, age-appropriate experiences for players and families while respecting privacy and giving players and parents meaningful control over their gaming experience.
As part of our compliance with global regulations, you’ll need to verify your age later this year to continue using PlayStation communication features, such as messages and voice chat. You will still be able to access other PlayStation services, like games, trophies, and the Store, if you do not verify your age.
This is a one-time check and usually takes just a few minutes. Completing it ahead of time will help you continue accessing communication features when you want to use them.
Age Verification Remains a Controversial Topic
The implementation of age verification measures has been a controversial and negative topic for gamers, to say the least. Earlier in 2026, when Discord announced that it would implement age verification across the entire platform, some users responded by migrating to other voice chat apps and canceling their Discord Nitro subscriptions out of protest. Discord then announced it would delay its age verification rollout to the second half of 2026, and said it would be more transparent about the process moving forward.
GameRant Quiz
Easy (15s)Medium (10s)Hard (5s)
Additionally, games like Roblox have run into issues with their own age verification measures, as users stated their chat histories have been erased as a result. Given the negativity surrounding the state of age verification laws across the globe, time will tell how Sony’s plans will fare by comparison.